FORTY PER CENT of Britains largest private companies are owned or backed by private-equity groups, making it the most common form of ownership, a Sunday Times survey reveals

FORTY PER CENT of Britain’s largest private companies are now owned or backed by private-equity groups, making it the most common form of ownership.

Ten years ago, big-name entrepreneurs and some of Britain’s oldest dynasties would have dominated the list. While entrepreneurs are still common, the Swires are one of the few families that are still in control of their empire.

The dramatic change in the ownership of British business is contained in the Sunday Times Top Track 100 survey, which is included in today’s paper.

Mel Egglenton, head of middle market for KPMG, the accountant, said the number of private-equity-backed companies had risen to 40 in this year’s Top Track 100: “There are 17 debutantes on the list and nine companies progressed up the list with the backing of a financial buyer. These are the private-equity houses that have become leading players in the City in the past 10